Press Releases
............PRESS RELEASE.....16th September 2004............
"Children are not born with attitudes and values; they learn them. That is how the seeds of racism and discrimination are sown," said 'éist' Project Co-ordinator Colette Murray
Today Pavee Point and the éist project launched 'Ar an mBealach', a Diversity and Equality Training manual addressing issues of racism and discrimination in Early Childhood Care, Education and Training and a range of Traveller Jigsaws.
The aim of the 'Ar an mBealach' manual is to support trainers in delivering diversity and equality training to both students and early education practitioners. "The training will help providers of Early Childhood Care Education to create a safe environment where children see and assimilate attitudes of equality and respect for difference. The manual supports the needs of children from both minority and majority communities."
'Ar an mBealach' was developed and piloted in both urban and rural areas and addresses issues relevant to the Irish context. Recipients of the pilot training spoke of the challenges posed by the new approach; "I was unaware of the fact that I'm white, settled and privileged," said one Mayo participant. "If you don't respect other people, their beliefs, background and culture, then it's easy to pass your prejudices onto children without even realising you are doing it", commented a Dublin participant. A diversity programme is necessary for students -each child deserves it."
Evidence from the pilot training and structured interviews with Traveller children undertaken by 'éist' were highlighted on the day revealing the necessity for Diversity and Equality training. One Traveller child, when asked what he would like to be changed about the school system immediately replied, "Stop the name-calling."
Four Traveller jigsaws representing the lifestyle and culture of Travellers were also launched. Their development was in response to the lack of materials available to reflect diversity in Ireland. They will be used in preschool and primary settings and will support the identity of the Traveller child.
ENDS.
For further information contact Terry Battles at 01 8780255.